At NHS Golden Jubilee, we wish to ensure that you are supported as best you can when making any decisions regarding any potential healthcare treatments.
Some people prefer to attend medical appointments alone. Others find having a friend or relative with them during these times hugely helpful.
In keeping with professional guidance and with Scottish law, you may wish to bring a relative, friend, social worker, clergy, or significant other who you think may be helpful to you when making any healthcare decisions. This is termed ‘natural advocacy’.
If you, or someone you know, does not have a ‘natural advocate’, you can use the services of an ‘independent advocate’.
Independent Advocacy is a way to help people have a stronger voice and to have as much control as possible over their own lives.
An independent advocate will not make decisions on behalf of the person/group they are supporting, they promote an awareness and understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the person/group.
The independent advocate helps the person/group to get the information they need to make real choices about their circumstances and supports the person/group to put their choices across to others.
An independent advocate may speak on behalf of people who are unable to do so for themselves.
This is a free, confidential advice when supporting person/group when using the NHS. More information about Independent advocacy can be found at:
enquiries@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk Hospital Switchboard 0141 951 5000